Tony Cohen Fall/Winter 2010

Not that it ever left, but black is back in a big way as evidenced by Tony Cohen’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection.  It is easy to become jaded by black as a New Yorker, since it’s not only a staple but a uniform for most New York fashionistas.  So I must admit, I was less than enthused when look after look was featured in black, despite the intricate draping.  But after paying close attention to the details, which is really what makes any look interesting, I realized that there were definitely some notable gems.  Besides the fact that fabric choice included wool bouclé, seemingly the recurring theme in many shows this season, it was his clever use of leather, lambskin and silk that really got my attention.

Many of the tops were paired with either ¾ leather gloves or jeweled embroidered gloves, which added to the mystique of this collection.  However, the pieces that stood out among the rest were the leggings which were displayed in variations that made everyone sit up in their seats.  The leggings came in leather and stretched embroidered silk most of which were intricately encrusted.  But the most impressive of all, were the silk jewel embroidered MESH leggings! I swear I heard gasps in the crowd, when those leggings graced the runway.

Never would I have expected such show stopping leggings. Yes, they were sheer, but strategically covered with this embroidery so skillfully done and unbelievably sexy; that anyone who ever wore them would instantly feel like a rock star.  So let me clarify, before there is any misunderstanding, that the evocation of sex from this masterpiece did not detract from taste. The entire look, complimented by a silk jeweled embroidered blouse and buttoned leather gloves, exuded such a controversial quality, yet possessed an unmistakable aura of class and luxury.  Cohen raised the bar after this item was presented, and managed to keep the momentum for the rest of the show.  Thereafter, I became a believer of this line and especially of this collection, as it is one I will covet for years to come.

By Lisan J. Simpson

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Binetti Fall/Winter 2010 Recap

Where’s Scottie when you need him to beam you up and transport you to an exotic far away land? That was my initial thought as I witnessed Diego Binetti’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection when he presented this past Sunday at Exit Art. Front Row included Simon and Alex McCord from the Real Housewives of New York.

The binetti collection, which was inspired by his travels to the far east, did not disappoint as opulent, exotic & tastefully embellished fabrics glided down the runway.  And ‘glide’ could not be more suitable a word, to describe the many pieces that carried an air like quality; only achievable with the expert use of printed silk chiffon and charmeuse on cocktail dresses and gowns.  Other sumptuous fabrics incorporated in this collection included silk georgette, shimmering gold lamé and wool bouclé.  Most of his pieces were encrusted with beads & jewels strategically placed, so as to not interfere with the figure flattering silhouettes.  No detail was too small, as jackets and blouses were adorned with Swarovski crystal buttons that gave those pieces the extra touch of luxury and sophistication we have come to expect in a Binetti collection.

With his start as a fashion stylist, working with Bulgari in Milan and later becoming the head designer for Jill Stuart, there was no doubt that this was a star in the making.  The 4 years Binetti spent in Milan, cultivating his innate talent, certainly paid off; as the launch of his line in 2001 introduced to the world a visionary genius. It was no wonder that Binetti received a standing ‘O’ from a crowd who expressed my sentiment that this show was nothing less than spectacular.

By Lisan J. Simpson

Binetti

New York Fashion Week: Day 5 Schedule

Risto Fall/Winter 2010 Collection Overview

When nature calls it speaks volumes, as Risto launches his Fall/Winter 2010 collection. With prints ranging from rainbow hues, eye catching landscapes, and fire intersecting water, you feel yourself become one with nature, but you’re definitely not roughing it.  Always the eco-advocate, this ode to nature brings a 90’s vibe with a techy twist inspired by his muse Nicolas Sassoon. Digital graphics and computer pixels infused with earthy images are Risto’s expression of ‘New New Age.’

Risto seemed to identify most with the late 80’s, early 90’s as that was around the time he finish design school in Paris.  He wanted to capture this nostalgia in this collection by recycling his own decade with new and improved details.  As a former designer for Louis Vuitton men’s knitwear, he continued his love of working with knits by felting boucle yarn and combining strips of leather to create the edgy, grunge inspired collection.  His mastery of taking old-school techniques of knitting and quilting and turning it into today’s show stopping pieces, showcases the distance an open mind can take any fabric of choice, regardless of its intricacies.  He was able to show the details of his knitting techniques through jumpsuits, dresses, capes and leggings.  Some of these pieces were displayed on naked skin of all shades which will no doubt intensify the fascination in his collection.

By: Lisan J. Simpson

(image via ristoblog)

Teflar Fall/Winter 2010 Collection Overview

By Leah Richards

A winter storm could hardly keep me away from Fall 2010’s Fashion Week.   And the prestart to Fashion week was fun, unique, and trendy.  Where was I you may ask?  Well guys and dolls, I attended Teflar’s Fall 2010 Collection at Club Amnesia.  This event had everything from a disco ball, to fashionable trendy people, media, press and the like.  For a light and crunchy snack, “Pirate Booty’s” were served.  Teflar’s designs were simplex… Simple yet complex all at one time!

According to UrbanDictionary.com Teflar means slippery and tough.  The various materials definitely were rugged but yet slick in the way they were layered upon one another.  Color patterns for the clothing remained mostly in the grey and light tan arena.  The models were absolutely perfect for the show; they looked as though they were from “Ugly” modeling agency with their hair anywhere from locs to a frontal Mohawk to a baldy for both males and females.  The models had their laid back walk with their elongated legs really accentuated the clothing.  Instead of walking the straight “T” the models came from the dressing room downstairs, walked around the main floor, and lastly came around to the upper tier where I was sitting.  This was a fantastic concept because everyone got a great close-up of the clothing.

Teflar really has a consistent and great relaxed persona all on its own.  Full of everything from hats to hoodies, sweaters, t-shirts, and jeans.  Hopefully coming to a store nearest you!

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